Hank Gilbert announces for governor

Tyler area rancher Hank Gilbert finished his announcement tour of Texas in Austin today by outlining an education initiative that he described as a “starting point” for debate in the campaign.

Gilbert, 49, said incumbent Gov. Rick Perry has repeatedly campaigned on improving Texas public education. But Gilbert said Texas ranks 41st in high school graduation rate.

He promised to expand pre-kindergarten education and give teachers a $5,000 a year pay raise.

Gilbert said standardized testing in Texas has created a “test and punish culture.” He said he also wants to use “evidence based” strategies to determine whether a student is at risk of dropping out of school based on his or her home environment and socio-economic standing.